Chat with Chuck Mindenhall

Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, MMA blogger Chuck Mindenhall stops by to chat about the news from the octagon.

Mindenhall began covering MMA for ESPN.com in October 2010. He has worked as a features writer for FIGHT! Magazine, and contributed to many other publications, such as the LA Times, Village Voice and LA Weekly.

Stephen (Brooklyn)

Hey Chuck... what did you think of Bellator on Spike? Any surprises in the switch?

Chuck Mindenhall

(3:59 PM)

What's up guys? Bellator unveiled itself last night to kick off a new era. What think of that? Tomorrow night, UFC hits Sao Paulo. What think of that? Let's get this thing rolling. What's on your minds.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:00 PM)

Did that in reverse order. Oops. OK, answering question. I thought the Bellator telecast on Spike had a sense of bigness about it. Loved the use of lights and cameras. Lots of movement. The little narratives were also well done. Smart to put Curran and Chandler on the first card, too.

Pete (Irvine)

Chucky! Which Strikeforce fighter stands the greatest chance of being a champion in the UFC?? Thanks bra!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:01 PM)

Good question, Pete. If I had to go off the top of my head I think Daniel Cormier. That is if he somehow fights for the heavyweight belt (which means Velasquez will have lost to Overeem/Bigfoot winner). Okamoto likes Rockhold. Gross likes Jacare. It's a great time in the UFC....lots of fun possibilities.

Matt (NJ)

Thoughts on the rumored Gustaffson - Moussasi fight? Seems like an awful stylistic matchup for Gusty.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:02 PM)

You know what, though? You talk to Gusty's coach Eric del Fierro and he'll tell you very confidently that he thinks Alex is one of (if not the) best strikers in the division. I think that would be the fight to find out. Book it.

Sam (Orlando)

What happened to the Broncos????????

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:04 PM)

Don't go there, Sam. Don't. Worst loss ever. Worse than the 1984 team that went 13-3 and lost to Merrill Hoge and the Steelers. Worse than the 1996 team that went 13-3 and lost to the Jaguars. Worse than that battery of blowout Super Bowls. Still smarting. The kneel down. The interception. The Rahim Moore lapse. Painful.

Coleman (Baltimore)

Pat Healy called out Joe Lauzon or Jim Miller for his UFC debut. You like those fights?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:04 PM)

I think Pat deserves a good name, but Miller might be about his scale coming in. Somebody like Lauzon, however, might make for a good one (all Lauzon fights are fun). I think Healy's underrated, and I think he feels underrated, and he's hungry to prove something.

JDS (Brasil)

Reason #142 on why I lost to Cain.... Was suffering from hangnails on both hands!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:05 PM)

What was #141? Hangnails on both hands is hard to deal with.

Coleman (Baltimore)

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:07 PM)

This strikes me as PPV material. I would pay to see it. McNeil has a deft jab, and, even when you do fight him close, he can dirty box. Davies is a dedicated follower of fashion...an argyle nightmare. I think he presents trouble for McNeil with kicks.

Nickel Steak (Boston)

Good piece on Sandy Hook/Rousey. Unrelated, who's in the broadcast booth tomorrow, Goldberg or Anik?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:08 PM)

Thanks, NS. Anik is on the scene in Sao Paolo, and he's torn because he'll be in the air headed home when his Patriots play in the AFC championship game. Poor guy.

Miggy (Philly)

I thougth Chandler was mighty impressive last night. What is his contract situation with Bellator?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:09 PM)

He's locked up, and he's not going anywhere for a long time. You are right; he looked about as good he could. That first single leg takedown of Hawn looked easy, and it was a matter of time from there.

JDS (Brasil)

#141 on why I lost to Cain..... John Fox was in my corner!!!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:09 PM)

Surprised he didn't throw in the towel.

Ricky D (Atlanta)

Other than the main event, this weekend's UFC card is pretty bunk. Any thing grab your attention? Anybody?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:10 PM)

I'll tell you what's not titillating, and that's the Dolloway/Sarafian co-main. One guy who's 1-2 in his last three against a guy making his Octagon debut? Hmm. But I am anxious to see how Edson Barboza comes back. Gonzaga/Rothwell will end badly for somebody.

J Remchelt (Maple Shade, NJ)

Hey Chuck! Do fighters wear underwear when they fight?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:12 PM)

I haven't really pondered this, but here's hoping the days of regimental fighting belong history.

francisco (buffalo)

Surprised to any of the recent cuts in the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:13 PM)

Not really. Griggs I thought would stick around a little longer, but it's justified. Houghland, Urishitani....Cofer. No, not really. With the surplus of Strikeforce fighters coming over, too, guys become a little more expendable.

Raheem Moore (Denver)

it was the SUNNN!!!!!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:13 PM)

You were the only one glaring into the sun that night.

Rocktober (Deeper Down)

How functional is your BJJ, Brah?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:14 PM)

I'm a no belt.

Jason (Corona)

KIMBO!!!! KIMBO!!!!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:14 PM)

You like that, huh? Good to see him surfacing again (I guess), and Australia will get a taste of the "toughest guy at the barbecue."

Coleman (Baltimore)

50/50 chance of Barnett to the UFC? 60/40?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:15 PM)

I think it's 50/50. A couple of big hurdles. Barnett's asking price being one (he's not going to get $250K in the UFC). White's grudge against him has to be overcome. But I ultimately think he ends up in the UFC. Hope so. Some great fights there for him.

Dan (Hopkinton, MA)

Man! Did Michael Chandler look good last night against Hawn or what (I meant his TDs)? Do you think he'd be favored in a match against the likes of Cerrone or Maynard? Bendo?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:16 PM)

I don't know if I'd have him favored in those match-ups, but he'd bring a fair amount of hell onto any of them. I really like Chandler. It's fun to imagine him against the likes of a Bendo or a Maynard.

Matt (Nashville)

How big of a setback for Nate Marquardt will losing to Saffiedine be?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:18 PM)

It definitely stings. He just couldn't get anything rolling in his favor that fight. I don't think it'll hinder him from coming over and doing some good work in the UFC at 170 pounds...but I can't help but think that visions of title shots are becoming a little more far-fetched all the time.

Brad (Long Beach)

Chuck, great piece on Ronda and the misuse of Twitter. In your mind, does she learn anything from the whole thing?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:20 PM)

She won't learn anything from my piece. She's still young, and she's her own person. It was in bad taste, and if anybody was going to comment on it, it was me who is right here. Hopefully she's a little more mindful of things like that going forward.

Matt (NJ)

Griggs got cut?!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Who will carry the mantle of the sick sideburns now?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:20 PM)

Those lamb chops can't be emulated. Can't think of who would even come close, either....

@PappaFeez (Dallas)

Strange card this weekend where the main event seem TOO BIG for an FX card yet the rest of the card is AWFUL

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:21 PM)

Sort of an imbalance, but hopefully some of the other non-profile fights pan out to be good. Hey, free fights...

hector (chicago)

ronda is a hell of a fighter but her recent twitter rant and also her trashing gsp..... seems like the ego is starting to inflate just a tad to big and quickly

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:22 PM)

Overnight celebrity, and she's very young. It'll take some time for her maturity to fully catch up to her status. But she's a smart person. She'll figure it out.

Drod (Los Angeles)

I am the only one who thinks that Bisping is a boring fighter and has no shot against Anderson if he wins. I can't imagine fans wanted to see this fight.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:23 PM)

Drod, not only are not the only person to think this, just about everybody I've talked to thinks Silva will destroy Bisping. However, he's had 17 career UFC fights, a dozen of which have come in the middleweight division. He's always been a bridesmaid. It's his time to try, if he can get by Belfort. (That's a big "if").

Brian (Atlanta)

If Eddie Alvarez does end up in the UFC, who would you like to see him fight out of the gate? I'd say Cowboy if he beats Pettis. Thanks!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:24 PM)

That wouldn't be bad. I think Cerrone is hoping that if he wins he gets a title shot (that's sort of a tough sell, though, given the past series). I wouldn't mind seeing Alvarez/Maynard, and I know Maynard was open to that idea last I talked to him.

Hey Bro (Bro-ward County)

Hey bro. You ever wonder if Chris Leben is made out of steel rods and attic insulation underneath all that ink?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:24 PM)

No, but this seems imaginable. I will look at him different now.

Coleman (Baltimore)

does the mohawk work for Vitor or does Bisping get the win in Brazil?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:25 PM)

I picked Belfort. Not sure if it's the mohawk, or the Brazilian homecage advantage, or that Bisping has traditionally squandered big opportunities...or a combination of all that (plus his power). But I picked Belfort.

Lennay Kekua (Can't Really Say)

How do I become a ring girl for any MMA organization?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:26 PM)

It's tough. You have to have an unreal resume.

Jeremiah (Kansas)

Who is the most suprising person you have ever seen at a live show?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:27 PM)

Hmm....surprising. Sat next to Adam Baldwin once. But wasn't overly surprised. Not sure I've ever been totally surprised by somebody in the audience.

Matt (NJ)

Hook Dana up to a lie detector...perfect world, does he want Bones or Chael to win their upcoming bout?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:29 PM)

Bones. But honestly, he'd be fine either way. I honestly can't imagine how Chael wins. Maybe that's why he signed on to be a regular on the FOX family coverage. Got to have a good gig lined up for after April.

David (Fullerton) [via mobile]

Hey Chuck how goes it? When is MMA live coming back? ESPN needs to get with the program and admit that MMA is a big sport with many fans looking for content/news. Who are big MMA fans in Bristol and who hates on it?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:30 PM)

MMA Live is on the shelf right now indefinitely. I know a lot of people want the show to come back, but not sure when it'll happen. We still do online segments. Plenty of MMA fans all over ESPN.

Sergio (San Diego)

Chuck - Cigano just came out and stated that divorce issues w/ his wife is the reason behind the beat down received by Cain. What are your thoughts on the statement?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:31 PM)

Did he state that? I don't know. He did seem distracted. I thought the big overhand right he ate made him that way.

hector (chicago)

upcoming 2 weeks is gonna be awesome for mma fans

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:32 PM)

Yeah, I am particularly interested in next week's fights....King Mo and Askren in Bellator, and then the UFC on FOX card in Chicago, which has a lot of great fights.

@dneighbor (NJ)

Did you see the Seth Petruzelli promo before his Bellator fight? Why would Bellator choose to air that?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:32 PM)

Uh-oh, I didn't see it David. What happened?

Adam (Long Beach)

As much as I'm hoping Bisping can pull out the win so Anderson has a clear match in his future. I have a feeling Belfort is going to connect in the first 3 minutes for a 1st Rd KO...

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:33 PM)

I have similar forebodings, but then again, I can easily see a Bisping type of fight. Good in the clinch, grinding, strafing and kicking from range. Should be fun.

Jeremiah (Kansas)

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:34 PM)

Lance Armstrong (On my bike)

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:34 PM)

Hey-Oh!

Travis (Pomona)

What's next for Josh Barnett? Seems like the UFC would be dumb not to sign him and deepen the heavyweight division.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:36 PM)

Hard to say. I know he wants to pillage every promotion like a modern-day hun and leave a trail of blood and limbs (paraphrasing), but my guess is UFC. Bellator is an option, and they could really use him. He could go to Japan, too. Or wrestling. Or both.

Adam (Long Beach)

Have to sign Barnett, imagine how good the pre-fight talk would be in a potential Mir vs Barnett match?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:37 PM)

I know some people tire of Barnett's sort of digressive viking/scholar/poet shtick, but I find it funny. Bring him into the UFC.

Marc T. Sherman oaks [via mobile]

Why not Roy vs pat Barry?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:37 PM)

I like that fight. A couple of chats ago we were on that tip.

Rich (Jersey)

Konichiwa Chucky! Where has the Korean Zombie been? any word on his retun?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:38 PM)

Sup, Rich. He is still recovering from his shoulder surgery, but it sounds like he's finally close to returning. When exactly, I haven't heard. My guess is by summer. It's still possible that he gets a title shot when he comes back....though we'll know more after the feathers all fight in Chicago and then the Aldo/Edgar match.

Peter (Dallas)

Let's say Vitor beats Bisping this weekend. Who do you think the UFC matches Anderson Silva up against?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:40 PM)

No good idea, here. There's Lombard, Weidman, Rockhold...they could go any direction. Maybe if Belfort made it emphatic, they'd look at him, too. But that seems unlikely.

Miggy (Philly)

I have no clue why but I find myself buying the Rampage hype. Do you give him any more than a punchers chance?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:41 PM)

I think he got his wish of standing in there against somebody not afraid to bang. Teixeira has more tools, but if they stand and trade with each other, Rampage might get it done. What form will he be in? Where's his head with the contract ending, etc? If he's anything like the Rampage of yore, could be fun.

Eric (Pasadena)

Prime Peyton ManningPrime John Elway......Who are you taking?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:42 PM)

Such a tough call. I know one thing, though....Elway wouldn't have kneeled with 31 seconds left and two timeouts at his disposal, even if Dan Reeves insisted.

Stephen (Sacramento, CA)

Hey Chuck, any thoughts on the Dodson fight with Johnson next Saturday night?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:44 PM)

Dueling banjos. I think Dodson's power is the equalizer here. He can knock people silly. But that's a ridiculously hard to track down target he's getting in Johnson. I think Mighty Mouse has more tools, and he has the smarts to stay out of the danger shot. He's looked better every time he's fought over the last couple of years.

Matt (NJ)

I'm picking Rampage this week, just because I think he would love to stick it to the UFC.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:44 PM)

This is within the realm of possibility. And imagine where that would put his stock...

Dave (Boston)

What did you think of Bellator's Spike debut? I thought it was a good card.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:45 PM)

Somebody has asked this earlier. I thought it was a good show, had a sense of an "event," lighting was better, the narratives were cool, and the cameras moving in and out added to the Thing. Good looking stuff. Curran and Chandler on the same card certainly helped, too.

Jeremiah (Kansas)

If you wanted to have a lively and intelligent dinner conversation, which three fighters are joining you?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:47 PM)

Hmm. Joseph Benavidez is a smart guy. Maybe him, Brian Ebersole and Josh Barnett. Intelligent? Dunno...but that would be at least interesting.

Jenn (Columbus)

How good was that Pat Curran fight? Think he could last in there with Aldo?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:47 PM)

I enjoyed it a lot, Jenn. Back and forth. Thought some of Curran's combinations, in league with that jab of his, were things of beauty.

Tyler (Oklahoma)

Chuck, Ive been telling you for a year that Gilbert is overrated. We FINALLY get to see him get exposed. I cant wait. Speed and power and Benson takes this easy. I cant wait.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:48 PM)

Aha, you see there? Curiosity. That's why this is a compelling fight. A lot of people suspect a fraud. I think Melendez will give Bendo all he wants. But we'll see.

John (CO)

Is there a timeline for Goldberg's return?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:48 PM)

Haven't heard.

Dennis (MI)

how many fights of his 10 fight contract you think anderson silva goes through?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:49 PM)

I'd say all of them, but he does tend to take extended periods off. Maybe 7.

rod (milwaukee)

chuckers, let's have your pick for belfort/bisping. i think bisping gets it done and at long long last fights andy!

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:49 PM)

Going Belfort. For no (good) logical reason.

Rich (Cincinnati)

Chuck, if Mike Chandler were in the UFC, do you think he could be the champion?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:50 PM)

He's got the tools for sure, but I'd need to see more of him before I'd get too confident he'd upend Bendo. I absolutely think he could be the UFC champion, though, in time.

Ted (Boston)

I liked the piece on tweeting athletes. They have to remember, just like Hollywood, that their uneducated-ignorant tweets/opinions can influence impressionable minds. Get educated before commenting on something so sensitive.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:51 PM)

They hold a fighters summit in Vegas every year that is supposed to address that.

Sandy (Sanchez)

Chandler was incredibly impressive last night. He looks like one of the best lightweights in the world without question. Chandler v. Edgar or Aldo or Benson would be awesome matchups. How long do you think till he comes over to the UFC? I'm assuming it depends when his contract is up.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:52 PM)

He's tied to Bellator for a long while. Not sure of his exact contract, but he's not going anywhere.

Matt (Nashville)

who should Barnett &#x26; Sousza each face in their first fight with (or back with) the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:53 PM)

Jacare against Lombard would be cool. Barnett? Nelson, Barry, JDS?

David (LA)

Best fly fishing in America is in.......

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:54 PM)

Lower 48, or Alaska included? I am going to say Colorado, but I'm biased. The Bowl of Tears, Seven Sisters, all those gold medal waters, anything near the Cameron Pass or Gold Park or...anywhere.

@PappaFeez (Dallas)

Seemed strange having Bjorn Rebney getting interviewed inside the cage after each fight

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:55 PM)

Seemed a little pointless.

Chuck Mindenhall

(4:56 PM)

OK, guys, I need to close up a few minutes early today. In NYC, and have to catch a train. Let's convene next Friday and play at the muse again. Wanna? Hit my Twitter feed meantime, @ChuckMindenhall.